Craving comfort food with a little flair? This Creamy Pesto Mac & Cheese is the perfect mashup of cozy and classy. Think rich, cheesy goodness with a pop of pesto! It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to be your new favorite weeknight dinner!
If you love pasta dishes, you are also going to love my Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pesto Pasta & my Creamy Sausage Pasta!!
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Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- All-Purpose Flour
- Pasta: Macaroni
- Pesto Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Freshly Chopped Parsley (Optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Sauté onions!
Add in heavy cream & cheeses!
Throw in the aldente macaroni & spices!
Finally mix in a couple tablespoon of a quality pesto!
- Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and 1 teaspoon of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Make the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. If desired, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the creamy sauce.
- Infuse with Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto sauce until evenly mixed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with more parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Onion: Substitute with shallots for a milder flavor or leeks for a sweeter, more subtle taste.
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter = 1 cup heavy cream). Coconut cream works for a dairy-free option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap with Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use Monterey Jack for a similar melt or provolone for a slightly tangier flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Replace with cornstarch (use half the amount) or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Equipment
- Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Large Skillet or Braiser for making Pasta Sauce
- Knife & Cutting Board
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce may separate.
Top tips
- Perfectly Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercook the macaroni before mixing it into the sauce; it will finish cooking as it absorbs the flavors.
- Boost the Pesto Flavor: Use freshly made pesto for a vibrant, herby kick, or add an extra spoonful for a stronger punch.
- Customizable Toppings: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon on top for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Absolutely! Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells work great for holding the creamy sauce.
No problem! Swap it with basil, spinach, or arugula purée for a similar herby flavor, or just skip it for classic mac and cheese.
Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
Related
Looking for other creamy pasta recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite desserts to serve with this recipe:
Creamy Pesto Mac & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and 1 teaspoon of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Make the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. If desired, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the creamy sauce.
- Infuse with Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto sauce until evenly mixed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with more parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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